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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: February 19, 2018 12:15 EST1. RECENT UPDATESEditorial change.2. ADVISORIESKenya - Exercise a high degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and a high crime rate.Regional advisory - Avoid all travelAvoid all travel to the following areas:areas within 150 km of the Kenya–Somalia border, including all of Garissa and Lamu counties, due to a risk of kidnapping and attacksareas within 50 km of the coast, from north of the city of Malindi to the Kenya–Somalia border, due to a risk of kidnapping and attacksareas within 100 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, due to armed banditry and cross-border violenceSafety and security situationEastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi - Avoid non-essential travelAvoid non-essential travel to the Eastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi, where the crime rate is high.Safety and security situation3. SECURITYAreas bordering Somalia and portion of the Coast region (see Advisory)Kenya's border with Somalia is closed, but it is porous and Somali militias and bandit groups have carried out cross-border attacks against foreigners and humanitarian workers in this region. Some incidents involved the use of improvised explosive devices and have resulted in injuries and deaths, including at the Dadaab refugee camp, 80 km from the Somali border. The risk of such attacks in the region remains high.Disputes between Somali clans also make the region unstable and dangerous. There is an increased military and police presence and frequent roadblocks due to the Government of Kenya's efforts to limit Somali incursions and gun-running in the border area.There is also a risk of kidnapping close to the border with Somalia and coastal areas of Lamu County. Groups based in Somalia and northeastern Kenya have targeted humanitarian workers, tourists and residents in the past and deaths have occurred.Beachfront accommodations on the coastal area are vulnerable to criminal activity, such as armed robbery, break-ins and carjacking.If you travel to this area, be aware of your surroundings at all times and take appropriate security measures to ensure your safety.Areas bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia - Avoid all travel (see Advisory)There is an extreme threat of kidnapping, terrorism and cross-border violence in the areas within 100 km of Ethiopia and South Sudan.Eastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi (see Advisory)Criminal activity remains high in Eastleigh. Police capacity to respond to crime and other incidents is very limited.Northern and Western KenyaSome areas located north of the Kitale–Samburu–Garissa line in northern Kenya are considered unsafe. The ongoing threat posed by terrorism is joined by various regional, tribal or clan-based conflicts involving land, cattle and water. Consider using armed escorts when travelling within this region; escorts can often be arranged through local police stations. Avoid venturing away from tourist areas and do not travel after dark.Tribal conflicts have occurred in the Mount Elgon area of western Kenya. If you decide to travel to that region, remain vigilant at all times and monitor local media.CrimeThere is a high crime rate in most regions of Kenya, particularly in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. Carjacking, home invasions and kidnappings occur, including during daylight hours and in neighbourhoods normally considered safe. Petty crimes, such as purse-snatchings, pickpocketing and robberies, also occur. Traditionally, crimes increase in the weeks before Christmas.When you leave your hotel room, ensure that the door is locked and the “do not disturb” sign is displayed. Store your personal belongings in safekeeping facilities. Exercise caution while walking during daylight hours and if travelling after dark. Do not walk outdoors at night, particularly in isolated areas. Avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money.Be aware that there have been incidents of “mob justice” in which a crowd lynches suspected criminals prior to the arrival of police.Incidents of passport theft have occurred in the departure area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Currency should not be exchanged in the public areas of the airport. Checked luggage may be pilfered at the airport. Store your valuables in locked hand-luggage. Be aware of your surroundings at all airports.When confronted by robbers, comply and do not offer resistance.Nairobi and MombasaIn Nairobi, exercise extreme caution in informal settlement communities, such as Kasarani, Kibera and Mathare, due to the high level of crime and limited capacity of police to respond to incidents.The Old Town of Fort Jesus in Mombasa has a similar crime rate to other areas of the city during the day. However, there is a greatly increased risk of criminal activity at night, including robberies, attacks and other street crimes. Crime rates are also high on and around the Likoni Ferry (which links Mombasa and the southern resorts).On the roadOn the road, be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags can be snatched from passenger seats by thieves travelling on scooters or on foot. Keep your windows closed, doors locked and valuables out of reach and sight.Tourists have been the target of carjacking, robberies and kidnappings while travelling to or from the international airports in Nairobi and Mombasa. When arriving at these airports, you should only use transportation organized by reputable tour companies or well-marked taxis. Be particularly vigilant if you are commuting alone.National parks, safaris and reservesMost visits to national parks, game reserves and other popular tourist destinations in Kenya remain incident free. However, foreign tourists, including Canadians, have been victims of crime, sometimes involving violence. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid camping alone or without expert local assistance.Overland travelVisitors travelling overland to certain game parks and reserves have been attacked by armed bandits. The route from Malindi to Lamu can also be dangerous. There have been rare reports of attacks or robberies of travellers on the roads between Nairobi and the Amboseli, Masai Mara, Nakuru and Tsavo game parks/reserves and the Mount Kenya/Aberdare area. There have been periodic hijackings, robberies and attempted robberies on the main road between Nairobi and the Tanzanian border, the same road that serves as the route to Kenya's Amboseli National Park.Wildlife viewingThere are inherent risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife and avoid exiting vehicles unless it is deemed safe to do by professional guides and wardens. Use only reputable and professional guides or tour operators, and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.Armed incursionsForeigners have been affected by armed incursions onto private farms and wildlife conservation areas in Baringo and Laikipia counties, resulting from an extended period of drought, tribal issues and political tensions.Local assistanceThe Kenya Tourism Federation operates a 24-hour Safety and Communication Centre, which provides information on tourism and road conditions, and has information about regional assistance in an emergency.Contact information for the Kenya Tourism CentreTerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Nairobi; in the coast region, including in Mombasa; and in the country's northeast, near the border with Somalia. Foreigners have been targeted in some attacks. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, but keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.FraudFraud occurs frequently in Kenya. Criminals and swindlers have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials to try and get money from tourists. If you are approached by someone claiming to be a government official or police officer and asking for money for an alleged offence, you should ask for an official government receipt.Police officers are required to identify themselves. There is a complaint process through the Kenyan Police Service to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse.Learn more about overseas fraud.Non-governmental organizationsForeigners volunteering with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sometimes reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by local personnel.If you are contemplating volunteering with NGOs in Kenya, you should contact the National Council of NGOs before making any commitment and before departing Canada, to confirm that the organization you wish to work with is legitimate. All NGOs in Kenya are required by law to be registered with the National Council of NGOs, a self-regulating, non-partisan body.Learn about entry/exit requirements specific to working for an NGO or to do volunteer work.DemonstrationsDemonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.Women'ssafetyWomen travelling on their own should be vigilant, as harassment and attacks involving sexual assaults, including against foreigners, occur.Check our safe-travel guide for women for more travel safety information aimed at Canadians.Road travelMajor highways are generally in good condition but minor roads are poorly maintained. Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, frequent drunk driving (especially at night) and poorly maintained vehicles pose hazards.Serious traffic delays are common. Keep this in mind when planning travel by road, as driving at night can be risky due to poor lighting and inadequate signage.During the rainy season, some unpaved roads become impassable, even with four-wheel drive vehicles. You should drive defensively and always be aware of your surroundings.The road from Nairobi to Mombasa is congested and can be dangerous for tourists unfamiliar with local driving conditions. You should travel by air or train if possible. Use authorized border crossings when travelling by vehicle between Kenya and Tanzania.Public transportationPublic transportation is unsafe. Long-distance buses have been involved in serious accidents. Local mini buses (matatus) and motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) are generally poorly maintained, recklessly driven and not adequately insured. Matatu hijackings and incidents of passengers being robbed have occurred.Use reliable taxi companies, and confirm the fare in advance.The Madaraka Express Railway line between Nairobi and Mombasa is reliable and safe. Other passenger train lines are not safe and are routinely late.Maritime transportationThe Likoni Ferry (from Mombasa to Likoni) is unsafe due to a combination of high crime rates, uncontrolled crowds, limited safety training, frequent breakdowns and inconsistent maintenance. Stampedes and overcrowding on the ferry have resulted in multiple injuries.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesPiracyPirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.General safety informationMaintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Take appropriate security measures, particularly on roads linking a city centre to residential areas, and refrain from travelling at night.Never leave your bags unsupervised at a ticket office or a registration desk. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times, and that your credit and debit cards, cash and any other financial resources are not all kept in the same place. Monitor local developments, sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and follow the advice in the messages issued through the service.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from Kenyan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.PassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Kenya.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasCanadians must be in possession of a visa to transit through, visit or work in Kenya.You should obtain a visa in advance through the High Commission for the Republic of Kenya or via the Kenyan Department of Immigration Services' eVisa website. Unofficial websites also offer visas but typically charge an additional service fee that is significantly higher than the cost of the actual visa. Official government of Kenya websites have an address that ends with “.go.ke”.You can also obtain a visa at a Kenyan port of entry. Payment is required in exact cash and only in U.S. dollars, British pound sterling or euros. Credit card payments are not accepted.Tourist visas are valid for up to three months and may be extended by contacting immigration authorities once you are in the country.There is no fee for visas for children under 16 years.To avoid problems on arrival, always check with the High Commission of Kenya before you travel.Tourist visa: Required Business visa: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredTransit visa: RequiredWork Permit: RequiredThe East African Tourist Visa allows for multiple entry to each Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It is valid for 90 days and cannot be extended. You must obtain this visa from the authorities of the country that is your first entry point. If you plan on beginning your trip in Kenya, you must obtain it from the High Commission for the Republic of Kenya or on arrival.Work permits for NGO workersCanadians planning to work or volunteer (including, temporarily or part-time) in Kenya for any period are required to have a work permit. The National Council of NGOs can provide assistance in obtaining a work permit for individuals planning to work for a local NGO if contacted in advance. If an employee moves from one organization to another, the first permit becomes void and the individual must apply for a new permit to work with the subsequent organization.You should consult with the NGO with whom you are planning to volunteer, as well as consulting the eVisa website for full information and requirements.More information on work permits can be obtained by contacting the Kenya High Commission.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).Spot checks for proof of yellow fever vaccinations are increasingly common in Kenya. Carry a copy of your proof of vaccination with you at all times.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood medical facilities are available in Nairobi, but health-care standards in other parts of the country vary and can be very limited. Medical facilities may require proof of insurance or up-front payment before starting treatment. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.IdentificationPolice and immigration officials have the right to demand proof of residency or valid visas. You should carry identification documents or a copy of your passport with you at all times and cooperate with authorities if you are asked for identification. Failure to present proof of residence or a valid visa to authorities when requested to do so could result in fines or arrest.Illegal and restricted itemsPlastic bagsThe use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags, is illegal. Convicted offenders, including tourists, can face very heavy fines (up to USD 40,000), imprisonment for up to two years, or both.Learn more about the plastic bag ban.FirearmsTo carry firearms, you must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering the country. Firearms are strictly forbidden in wildlife reserves and national parks.Pornographic materialPossession of pornographic material is forbidden.Illegal and restricted activitiesWorking in KenyaIt is illegal to work or volunteer in Kenya without a valid work permit. Kenyan authorities strictly enforce this law. Convicted offenders could face heavy fines and jail sentences up to five years.DrugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Persons convicted of possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana for personal use, could receive a sentence that ranges between 10 years and life in prison. You could also face fines and jail time if you are convicted of being in a location where there are illegal drugs, even if they are not yours.Other prohibited activitiesPossession of ivory or other banned wildlife items, even if purchased outside of Kenya, is strictly prohibited. Killing, buying, selling or trading any protected wild animal or any of its parts is illegal. Offenders can be arrested and given lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.Smoking is prohibited in all public places. Convicted offenders could pay heavy fines or face a jail sentence. There are strict restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages and on consuming alcohol in public places.Photography of government buildings, foreign embassies and missions (including the Canadian High Commission), airports, military facilities or other sensitive locations is prohibited and may lead to arrest or detention.LGBTQ2 travelKenya's constitution does not expressly protect the rights of LGBTQ2 persons. The laws of Kenya prohibit certain sexual acts that are deemed to be indecent but are not clearly defined, and a conviction may resultin a lengthy jail sentence. Even though there are few convictions that result from such prosecutions, LGBTQ2 persons are routinely harassed by the police, and societal discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread.LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kenya.See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Kenya.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Kenya, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipDrivingTraffic drives on the left.While driving, drivers must always carry:a valid driver's licencevehicle registration documentsproof of valid insurancea valid vehicle inspection certificateThese documents must be produced on demand by a police officer.You must be at least 18 years old to drive a private motor vehicle in Kenya.If you are over 18, you may drive using a Canadian driver's licence for up to 90 days from the date of entry into Kenya.An International Driving Permit is accepted, if presented with your original Canadian licence.Residents of Kenya may apply for a Kenyan driver's licence with proof of a valid Canadian driver's licence.If using a Canadian licence for any of the above cases, it must be in English or a certified translation must accompany it and be presented on demand.Seat belt use is mandatory.Private motor vehicles must have 2 emergency triangles. While only required for public service vehicles, your private vehicle should also be equipped with a first aid kit, jumper cables and a fire extinguisher.While driving, it is not permitted to use a mobile phone or any other communication equipment not permanently fixed to the vehicle.If you are stopped due to a traffic violation, the police officer may ask you to pay an on-the spot fine. Police, however, are not permitted to accept cash on the spot without issuing an official receipt. If you disagree with the traffic ticket, you have the right to ask for due process. The officer should provide you with information on when and where you can go to be properly charged, and then you may pursue that process.CultureExercise common sense and discretion in your dress and behaviour, particularly in the coast region, where the majority of the population is Muslim. You should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2018, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 15. MoneyThe currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).Automated banking machines are widely available.Many banks and hotels exchange foreign currency and you can generally settle hotel bills in U.S. dollars. U.S. dollars are not generally accepted if their issue date is earlier than 2009. It is also possible to convert Kenyan shillings into foreign currency at the airport upon departure.Credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, but not always in more remote locations.M-PESA is a common form of electronic funds transfer accepted across Kenya, including at national parks. National parks do not accept cash and generally accept credit cards, but at times, due to technical difficulties, only payment via M-PESA is accepted.Travellers who import the equivalent of US$5,000 or more must provide documentation stating the source and purpose of the funds.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATERainy seasons and droughtsDrought is the most prevalent natural hazard in Kenya affecting mainly the eastern, north eastern and coast area, as well as parts of the Rift Valley.There are normally two rainy seasons in Kenya: from October to November, and from late March to mid-June. Heavy rains have the potential to cause sudden flooding and mudslides throughout the country. Evacuations, casualties and damage to infrastructure can occur. The damage could also affect the provision of essential services. If you reside in or are travelling to affected areas, exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.Volcanoes and earthquakesNatural disasters are possible due to regional volcanic and seismic activity. While there have not been any recent incidents, pay careful attention to all warnings issued.

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